How to Set a Static IP in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / October 9, 2025

Have you ever noticed your PC’s IP address changing every time you restart your router or reconnect to Wi-Fi? That’s because most networks assign dynamic IP addresses by default. While this is fine for everyday users, some situations—like hosting a server, using remote desktop connections, or setting up port forwarding—require a static IP address.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to set a static IP in Windows 11 step by step. Whether you’re a beginner or tech-savvy user, you’ll learn the easiest and most reliable methods to assign a permanent IP address to your PC.

🧭 Summary: Key Takeaways

Aspect Details
Goal Assign a fixed (static) IP to your Windows 11 PC
Best For Port forwarding, printers, game servers, and remote desktop
Methods Covered Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell
Difficulty Level Easy to Moderate
Estimated Time 5–10 minutes
Applies To Windows 11 Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions

🧩 What Is a Static IP Address?

A static IP address is a permanent IP assigned to your device that doesn’t change over time. Unlike dynamic IPs (which are automatically assigned by your router’s DHCP server), a static IP stays constant—even after rebooting your PC or router.

✅ Benefits of Setting a Static IP:

  • Stable connections for remote access and servers.

  • Simplified port forwarding for gaming and hosting.

  • Reliable network configurations for printers and NAS drives.

  • Consistent local connections—no more reconfiguring after restarts.

⚙️ How IP Addresses Work in Windows 11

When you connect your PC to the internet or a local network, your router’s DHCP server assigns an IP address dynamically.
But Windows 11 also allows you to override this behavior and manually set a fixed IP.

Here’s the basic flow:

  1. Router assigns an IP → via DHCP

  2. Windows requests a new IP each session

  3. Setting a static IP bypasses DHCP and keeps the same IP permanently

🧠 When Should You Use a Static IP?

You should set a static IP address when:

  • You’re hosting a Minecraft or game server on your PC.

  • You want to access your PC remotely via Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP).

  • You have shared devices (like printers, NAS, or CCTV cameras) that other users must access using the same IP.

  • You’re troubleshooting network issues or setting custom firewall rules.

If you’re just browsing or streaming, a dynamic IP works fine—but for advanced networking tasks, a static IP gives you control and consistency.

🧰 Prerequisites Before Setting a Static IP

Before diving in, make sure you have the following:

  1. Administrator access on your Windows 11 PC.

  2. Your current IP configuration, including:

    • IP address

    • Subnet mask

    • Default gateway

    • DNS servers

You can find these by running a quick command.

🔍 How to Find Your Current Network Configuration

  1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter.

  2. Type the following command:

    ipconfig /all

  3. Note the following details from your active adapter:

    • IPv4 Address

    • Subnet Mask

    • Default Gateway

    • DNS Servers

You’ll need these values later.

🪟 Method 1: Set a Static IP via Windows 11 Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest and most visual method. Perfect for beginners.

🪜 Steps:

  1. Open Settings

    • Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

  2. Go to Network Settings

    • Navigate to Network & Internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet, if wired).

  3. Select Your Connection

    • Click on your active Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

  4. Edit IP Assignment

    • Scroll down and click the Edit button next to IP assignment.

  5. Switch to Manual

    • Change from Automatic (DHCP) to Manual.

  6. Enable IPv4

    • Toggle IPv4 ON.

  7. Enter Your IP Details

    • IP Address: Choose an IP within your router’s range but outside its DHCP pool (e.g., 192.168.1.150).

    • Subnet Mask: Usually 255.255.255.0.

    • Default Gateway: Your router’s IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

    • Preferred DNS: Use Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or your ISP’s DNS.

  8. Save Settings

    • Click Save, then close Settings.

✅ Your PC now uses a static IP address.

🧭 Method 2: Set a Static IP via Control Panel

If you prefer the old-school interface, the Control Panel method works perfectly.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + R, type ncpa.cpl, and hit Enter.

  2. Right-click your active network adapter, then select Properties.

  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) → click Properties.

  4. Choose Use the following IP address.

  5. Enter:

    • IP Address: 192.168.1.150 (example)

    • Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

    • Default Gateway: 192.168.1.1

  6. Under DNS, select Use the following DNS server addresses:

    • Preferred: 8.8.8.8

    • Alternate: 8.8.4.4

  7. Click OK → Close.

💡 Tip: You may need to disconnect and reconnect for changes to apply.

💻 Method 3: Use Command Prompt (CMD)

For advanced users who prefer the command line.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

    • Press Windows + S, type cmd, right-click it → select Run as administrator.

  2. Run this command to view adapter names:

    netsh interface ipv4 show interfaces

  3. Identify your active interface (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).

  4. Set a static IP address:

    netsh interface ipv4 set address name="Wi-Fi" static 192.168.1.150 255.255.255.0 192.168.1.1

  5. Set a DNS server:

    netsh interface ipv4 set dns name="Wi-Fi" static 8.8.8.8

✅ You’ve successfully configured your static IP via Command Prompt.

🧾 Method 4: Set a Static IP via PowerShell

Windows PowerShell offers more flexibility for scripting and automation.

Steps:

  1. Search for PowerShell, right-click, and choose Run as administrator.

  2. Run this command to view network details:

    Get-NetIPConfiguration

  3. Note your interface alias (e.g., Wi-Fi).

  4. Set the IP address:

    New-NetIPAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -IPAddress 192.168.1.150 -PrefixLength 24 -DefaultGateway 192.168.1.1

  5. Set DNS servers:

    Set-DnsClientServerAddress -InterfaceAlias "Wi-Fi" -ServerAddresses 8.8.8.8,8.8.4.4

You can verify your settings using:

Get-NetIPAddress

🧱 Method 5: Assign a Static IP via Router (Optional)

Another way is to reserve a static IP directly from your router. This method ensures your device always gets the same IP automatically.

Steps:

  1. Log in to your router’s web interface (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

  2. Go to DHCP or LAN Settings.

  3. Find Address Reservation or Static IP Assignment.

  4. Enter:

    • Device Name or MAC Address

    • Desired IP Address (e.g., 192.168.1.150)

  5. Save and restart your router.

Now, your router will always assign that IP to your PC.

🔎 How to Verify Your Static IP Settings

After setting the static IP, verify it using any of these methods:

Option 1: Command Prompt

Run:

ipconfig

Check your IPv4 address—it should match what you set manually.

Option 2: Settings App

Go to Network & Internet > Properties, and look for IP assignment.

Option 3: Browser Test

Open your browser and confirm internet access. If websites load, your settings are correct.

🚨 Common Issues and Fixes

Problem Cause Solution
No Internet Access Wrong gateway or DNS Double-check IP settings
IP Conflict Another device uses same IP Pick a different IP outside DHCP range
Slow Connection DNS misconfiguration Use Google DNS or Cloudflare
Connection Drops Misconfigured subnet Ensure correct subnet mask

💡 Pro Tips for Managing Static IPs

  • Avoid using low IPs (like .1 or .2) — they’re often reserved by routers.

  • Document your static IPs in a simple spreadsheet for organization.

  • Use a reserved DHCP range (like .100–.199) and assign static IPs outside it.

  • Use Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) for faster browsing speeds.

🧩 Dynamic vs. Static IP: Quick Comparison

Feature Dynamic IP Static IP
Assignment Automatic (DHCP) Manual
IP Changes Yes No
Setup Easy Manual configuration needed
Best For Everyday users Servers, printers, RDP
Reliability Moderate High

🧾 Example IP Configuration Table

Setting Example Value
IP Address 192.168.1.150
Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0
Default Gateway 192.168.1.1
Preferred DNS 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS 8.8.4.4

🧠 Why Static IPs Matter for Power Users

If you frequently work with remote desktop tools, file sharing, or home servers, a static IP eliminates the frustration of reconfiguring your connection every time your router reboots. It ensures consistency, security, and reliability across all devices.

🏁 Conclusion: Take Control of Your Network

Setting a static IP in Windows 11 might sound technical, but as you’ve seen, it’s straightforward once you understand the basics. Whether you use the Settings app, Control Panel, Command Prompt, PowerShell, or router-based assignment, each method gives you greater control over your network stability.

A static IP can make your digital life smoother—especially if you rely on consistent connections for gaming, hosting, or remote work.

❓FAQs: How to Set a Static IP in Windows 11

1. Is it safe to use a static IP address?

Yes, as long as you choose an unused IP and secure your network, it’s perfectly safe.

2. Can I have both dynamic and static IPs on one PC?

You can configure multiple adapters (Wi-Fi, Ethernet) with different IP types, but not both on the same adapter.

3. Why does my static IP not work after reboot?

Ensure you saved the settings correctly and didn’t set an IP within your router’s DHCP pool.

4. How do I find the best IP to use?

Check your router’s DHCP range (e.g., 192.168.1.2–192.168.1.100) and pick an address outside it, like 192.168.1.150.

5. What’s better — router reservation or manual static IP?

Router reservation is more reliable since it prevents IP conflicts and keeps your device consistent automatically.

✅ Key Takeaway:
Setting a static IP in Windows 11 gives you stability, control, and reliability—especially for advanced users managing servers or shared devices. Follow one of the methods above, verify your settings, and enjoy seamless network performance.

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